The Ilkhanate was a Mongol state that existed from 1256 to 1335, primarily in present-day Iran and parts of surrounding countries. It was founded by Hulagu Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, after his successful campaigns in the Middle East. The Ilkhanate played a significant role in the cultural and economic exchanges between the East and West. Under the Ilkhanate, the region experienced a blend of Mongol and Persian cultures, leading to advancements in art, architecture, and science. The state eventually converted to Islam, which further integrated it into the Islamic world. The Ilkhanate's decline was marked by internal strife and the fragmentation of power.